What are the basics of GST?

Asked by: Ramon Carroll  |  Last update: August 4, 2026
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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax levied on the value addition of goods and services at each stage of the supply chain. Replacing multiple indirect taxes with a unified system, it is paid by consumers but collected and remitted by businesses. It applies to most supplies and uses an input tax credit mechanism to avoid tax cascading.

What are the basic rules of GST?

At each stage of sale or purchase in the supply chain, the tax is collected on value-added goods and services, through a tax credit mechanism. GST is levied on the supply of all goods and services except the supply of liquor for human consumption which is still liable to state excise duties and the VAT.

What are the basic concepts of GST?

GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the manufacturer to the consumer. Credits of input taxes paid at each stage will be available in the subsequent stage of value addition, which makes GST essentially a tax only on value addition at each stage.

What is GST for dummies?

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a consumption tax that's charged on most goods and services in Australia. It's called a consumption tax because it's levied on things we “consume” (figuratively as well as literally), rather than being levied on our income.

What are the 4 pillars of GST?

GST in India has four components – CGST, SGST, IGST, and UTGST. The charge depends upon whether the transaction is intra-state or inter-state. The Central Government charges CGST, while the State Governments and Union Territories levy SGST and UTGST respectively, on intra-state supplies.

What is GST? What Are The Types Of GST? Basics Of GST Lecture 1 By CA Rachana Ranade

25 related questions found

What is 4A 4B 4C 6B 6C B2B invoices in GST?

TABLE 4A, 4B, 4C, 6B, 6C - B2B INVOICES - RECEIVER-WISE SUMMARY. In this table, you can add details of taxable outward supplies made to registered person. Additionally, invoices auto-populated from e-invoices will be available in this table. This page provides you the receiver-wise summary of the already added invoices ...

What are the three ledgers of GST?

All GST-registered taxpayers are entitled to use three electronic ledgers on the GST platform Cash Ledger, Credit Ledger, and Liability Ledger. These three ledgers are central to dealing with taxes, input credit, and payment obligations.

How to learn GST step by step?

Beginner's Guide to GST

  1. BASICs OF GST. (Chapter 1) Goods and Service Tax (GST) is applicable in India from 1st July 2017. ...
  2. Registration. (Chapter 2) ...
  3. Composition Scheme. (Chapter 3) ...
  4. Invoicing. (Chapter 4) ...
  5. Input tax Credit. (Chapter 5) ...
  6. Reverse charge mechanism. (Chapter 6) ...
  7. Payment of GST. (Chapter 7) ...
  8. E-way Bill. (Chapter 8)

How do I calculate my GST payment?

The normal method for GST is subtracting the amount you paid on purchases (aka ITCs) from what you collected on your sales. This is the amount you must remit to CRA or if you paid more GST on your purchases than you collected on sales, CRA will send you a refund.

What are common GST mistakes to avoid?

  • Not registering for GST at the right time, or not deregistering when the business ceases. ...
  • Not putting money aside for GST. ...
  • Reporting purchases of capital items with the wrong tax code. ...
  • Claiming GST on all expenses. ...
  • GST on leasing and hire purchase. ...
  • GST on buying second-hand goods. ...
  • Claiming GST on private expenses.

What is the nutshell of GST?

As the name suggests, GST is a unified tax system combining goods and services into one, making life easier for businesses and bolstering the economy. The meaning of GST is given under Article 366 (12A) of the Indian Constitution, which states that it is a tax on the supply of goods and services.

What are the 4 types of GST?

Types of GST in India

CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) SGST (State Goods and Services. IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax) UTGST (Union Territory Goods and Services Tax)

What is the minimum turnover to register GST?

Businesses are required to register for GST and pay tax on their annual turnover if their annual revenue exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs in the case of goods supplied and Rs. 20 lakhs for the supply of services.

Is GST still 9% in 2025?

For any standard-rated supplies of goods or services that you make on or after 1 Jan 2024, you must charge GST at 9%. For instance, if you issue an invoice and receive payments for your supply on or after 1 Jan 2024, you must account for GST at 9%.

How should GST be calculated?

GST is a broad-based tax of 10% on most goods, services and other items sold or consumed in Australia. To work out the cost of an item including GST, multiply the amount exclusive of GST by 1.1. To work out the GST component, divide the GST inclusive cost by 11.

What items are exempt from GST?

List of exempted goods under GST in India:

  • Food. ...
  • Raw materials. ...
  • Tools/Instruments. ...
  • Miscellaneous. ...
  • Agricultural services. ...
  • Transportation services.
  • Services provided by the government and diplomatic missionaries.
  • Judicial services.

What is GST R1, R2, and 3B?

The R1, R2, and R3 in GST represent the GST R1, GST R2, and GST R3. Here the. R1 in GST represents sales return (outward supplies) R2 in GST represents purchase return (inward supplies) R3 in GST represents both sales return and purchase return (outward and inward supplies respectively)

Who needs to register for GST?

You must register for GST if: your business has a GST turnover of $75,000 or more. your non-profit organisation has a GST turnover of $150,000 or more. you provide taxi or limousine travel (including ride-sourcing services like Uber or DiDi) regardless of your GST turnover.

What is the GST tax for dummies?

The Basic Mechanics of the GST Tax

For transfers to non-relatives, the recipient is a “skip person” if more than 37.5 years younger than the transferor. The tax rate is a flat rate of 40% of the fair market value of the transferred asset. The math can be punishing.

What is the simplified GST guide?

Step-by-Step GST Registration Procedure (Updated for 2025)

  • Visit the GST Portal: Go to gst.gov.in and click on 'Services' > 'Registration' > 'New Registration'.
  • Part A – Basic Information: Fill in PAN, email ID, and mobile number. ...
  • Generate TRN: A Temporary Reference Number (TRN) is issued to proceed to Part B.

What are the GST compliances?

GST compliance is the compulsory practice of adhering to the GST Act, rules, and regulations specific to any business. These regulations vary significantly between industries, so the practical aspects of GST compliance must also consider the industry-specific variations in GST compliance guidelines.

Is GST paid an asset or expense?

Is GST paid considered an expense? No, GST paid on business expenses is generally not considered an expense. For GST-registered businesses, the amount paid as GST on purchases can be claimed as a GST credit. This means it is essentially refunded or offset against the GST collected from sales.

What is the rule 86 in GST?

Rule 86. (1) The electronic credit ledger shall be maintained in FORM GST PMT-02 for each registered person eligible for input tax credit under the Act on the common portal and every claim of input tax credit under the Act shall be credited to the said ledger.